Atlanta Hawks: Mavericks 98, Hawks 93
J.J.'s last play was only the beginning of Atlanta's problems. (AP Photo)
– The Hawks lost seven home games last season. They’ve lost four times at Philips Arena in the first four weeks this season. Can’t knock their 5-1 road record but also can’t ignore their inability to beat good teams at home.
– Losing by close margins isn’t much of a mitigating factor, either, since the best teams tend to win those kind of games more often than they lose them. The Hawks were healthy and rested this time, too, while Dallas came in after taking a tough L against Chicago last night.
– That didn’t keep the Mavs from looking sharper in the first half. L.D. said the Hawks haven’t played with the same energy at Philips Arena. It’s also true they haven’t played the same level of competition. “We have put ourselves in positions that we shouldn’t put ourselves in,” L.D. said. “A lot of that is a failure to follow details.”
– “I thought we had a good plan coming in,” Al said. “It’s a tough loss. We still have work to do as a team.”
– Down three with 13.2 seconds left, the Hawks ended up getting an awkward 3-point try from J.J., who looked to be trying to draw a foul on Tyson Chandler. Clearly that’s not what the Hawks were looking for.
– “Get a handoff, turn the corner and get fouled,” Drew said. “We drew up a play to go to the basket and get fouled. We wanted to put the onus on the official. If we make the free throws when we foul them and there’s plenty of time left. We did not get a clean exchange between [Joe] and Al on the handoff.”
– J.J. played with a glove on his left hand. He got it banged during the preseason and he favors it at times. I’ve never seen him miss so many open shots as the last month–the Mavs appeared to be letting him shoot long jumpers at times–but you never get far asking him if injuries are affecting his play.
– “I’m good, man,” he said yesterday. “Just nursing these little ‘nick knacks’ I’ve got. Other than that, everything else is cool. I will be all right.”
– The Hawks reacted as if they had never seen a zone defense before. They passed it aimlessly around the perimeter until someone decided to jack up a 3-pointer. The Hawks missed 18 of 25.
– L.D. said the Hawks expected to see zone and the plan was to reverse the ball and attack the creases. “We settled,” L.D. said. “That’s way, way too many 3-point shots for us. They zoned us and we lost discipline. We settled for perimeter shots. Our movement was slow. We looked unsure. We started holding the ball. We fell prey to exactly what they wanted us to do.”
– Al had 20 rebounds. His teammates had 17. The Hawks had a 20-18 edge on the boards in the second half but Dallas led 26-17 in the first with eight offensive rebounds. There were a few possessions where the Hawks watched the ball fall to the floor before Dallas collected it. “We did a poor job of boxing out,” Drew said.
– Atlanta’s bench was awful in the first half. The reserves played a combined 37 minutes and combined for two points and two rebounds. The goal is for those guys to provide energy but instead they let the game get away in the second quarter.
– The Mavs are the latest Hawks opponent to show the difference in depth between the teams Atlanta has beaten and the teams they can’t beat. It’s too difficult for the Hawks to beat good teams when the bench drags them down.
– This was the fourth straight game Zaza was just kind of out there. It’s perplexing because he had been productive and energetic.
– Jamal still isn’t shooting well and his turnovers are up. He had seven assists so it’s not like he’s stagnant but the instant offense has been up-and-down. He had a key steal, craftily poking the ball away from Chandler on a trap with Smoove and dunking at the other end.
– Another strong line from Josh: 21 points, six assists, five steals, 10 of 19 shooting. Just five boards, and it looked like he grew frustrated because he and Al were the only guys working to get them.
– The Hawks couldn’t take advantage of an off night for Nowitzki, who was 8 of 22. He was just 2 of 9 in the fourth period and missed at least four wide open looks that he almost always makes in clutch situations.
– With Bibby in foul trouble and L.D. apparently having seen enough of Teague in the first half, in came Jordan Crawford to play with a small lineup. He gave the Hawks spark by making his first four shots, including a fadeaway over Nowitzki.
– “It felt good to get out there and play,” Jordan Crawford said. “I’m just excited that I got the opportunity and I just tried to take advantage of it.”
– “Jordan gave us some really good minutes,” L.D. said.
– “Atlanta has so much firepower, and they they insert a kid who probably hasn’t played in three or four games and he lights it up,” Jason Terry said.
– Later, Jordan showed his inexperience. He messed up a coverage that led to a Barea 3, lost Terry on a pick-and-roll layup and threw the ball away when trying to whip a pass to Mo under the basket. Back came Bibby, who continues to be the only guard making 3-pointers consistently.
– I’m out, Hawks fans.
MC
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185 comments Add your comment
Craig
November 21st, 2010
12:27 pm
northcyde, thanks for making my point. The Hawks thought Acie Law was going to be the point guard for the future of this team. He’s been moved like four times since the Hawks traded him to Golden State, I just see the same thing happening to my boy Teague.
Ray
November 21st, 2010
12:31 pm
@ drmaryb
my last post talking about how I’d been here 10 years was just an example. Because I am actually new member. Still with that said everyone on here is complaining without providing many solutions. There are some that are, but saying we need a PG and C isn’t a solution. Cause we could get Hasheem Thabeet or Greg Oden ship away Marvin to Portland or Memphis.
What do we get in return a Project C and a Super bust in G. Oden. Just saying.
Depending on how this game goes Monday night will tell the real tale of the how the hawks will fair this year. This is a team we sweep last year the mighty Boston Celtics who got to the Championship. If we can’t beat them then our chances of even being a 5 or 6 seed will slip badly we may wound up in 8th. Which would truly be the worse thing ever that means were back at square 3.
Square 1 means 13 win season and Square 2 would be the next season with only 26 wins.
Hill
November 21st, 2010
12:35 pm
Craig, I feel you on Teague. When Bibby is in the game the offense flows, and when Teague gets in he just dribbles the shot clock down and defers to Joe or Jamal. He plays like he’s scared of something, you got to be a beast in the NBA.
sam'l
November 21st, 2010
12:46 pm
Basically, you’ve got the same team as last year, and last year’s team was a good team except there was no coach.. So, you should be able to expect good results. At least Drew appears to understand something’s not right.
The team reflects its host city, Atlanta,, and the nonstop gangsta “blogging” bears this out. No cohesion. No intellect. Flashy emotional blasts leading nowhere.. Give me what I want or I’ll throw a tantrum. Add on 100% inflation and you’ll have Hotlanta soon enough. .
Sigh…Pachulia needs a good pair of hands. Teague needs a brain tranplant, preferably Rondo’s.
I’m a total Jamal fan. But if he’s screwing up on purpose, I’d return the favor. Sit him down. Don’t trade him. Don’t allow him in the huddle. Just put him on the bench to showcase his product.
Las Vegas Hawks? Seattle Hawks?…Hey, that sound’s good,…….
I.MUS WRITE
November 21st, 2010
12:49 pm
SO we only beat sunpar teams huh? SO we havent posted a win against a legit playoff team huh?
Observations:
Josh Smith has become our best player-PERIOD!!!
His shot is much improved this year and so far he should be a starting All Star in Feb. Yes over Amare and Bosh
Jamal is a good player but when his shot is off he does nothing to help the team.
Al is a stud- He is becoming Karl Malon like (Jumper-leadership)
Why did we leave Bibby on the bench so long in the 4th-only to allow jamal to fire away,brick after brick. he should have been yanked earlier.
Let's Be Real
November 21st, 2010
12:55 pm
Worst case scenario the Hawks finish no worst than 6th(The only teams capable of passing them is the Bulls and the Bucks). Best case scenario Hawks finish 3rd(Doc likes to rest his old guys in the regular season, Boston in 4th). Bottom line the Hawks are deep and talented, they do have two weak links(Marvin & Teague) L.D. has to make the right moves with the line-up.
Alsandair
November 21st, 2010
1:01 pm
Joe Johnson sucks !!! He’s not a big time scorer & all he wants to do is pass.Why in the Hell did they give him all that money?
i_am_soulstar
November 21st, 2010
1:03 pm
1) Is it time for a trade yet?
2) What in the hell is wrong w/ Joe?
3) Note to Hawks: Horford is shooting 65%, get this man more touches!!!!
David
November 21st, 2010
1:08 pm
Rumor mill has Caron Butler on the block, Marvin for Caron??? Get Teague out of here, and get a quality proven point. Keep Jamal, ladies and gentlemen he just wants to get paid he’ll be alright.
Ray
November 21st, 2010
1:18 pm
@ David Jamal may want to get paid, but you got to play like you want to be paid.
Right now he’s playing like a pile of **** so he doesn’t deserve any money this will be the one and only time I defend ASG lol.
KevinM
November 21st, 2010
1:27 pm
Watching the replay of the game……you get the Hawks in a 1/2 court game with no running, your chances are good…lots of standing around on defense watching the ball go in the basket.
David
November 21st, 2010
1:30 pm
Ray, you ever heard the saying “you pay to play”, just ask Carmelo. You think he’s giving 100% for Denver. Maybe it’s me, but I don’t think the Hawks get anything worth the value if they traded Crawford. Marvin, Yes!!!
lewis
November 21st, 2010
1:45 pm
release my posts
Grandad
November 21st, 2010
1:49 pm
I posted this trade proposal a few days ago.
*[must wait until Dec 15th]
Sac gets:
Joe Johnson & Jeff Teague
ATL gets:
Tyreke Evans & Sam Dalembert *(exp contract)
*(in order to re-sign Jamal)
Right now I’m making no bones about my feelings
concerning Joe Johnson.
If ‘drmaryb’ is correct about Jamal then Sund owes
it to him to re-sign the man.
This is Josh & Al’s Team !
Joe cannot handle that fact.
Jamal can.
O'Brien
November 21st, 2010
1:50 pm
Samuel,
Teague shot the ball well enough in college, and he even played some off-guard at times. But for some reason, he is playing scared. And Woody is not an excuse for us bloggers anymore. Teague just isnt taking advantage of his opportunity. but there’s still time.
terrell,
Wade has missed time for the Heat, and they have a completely different team that they have to figure out the Chemistry. Plus both Wade and Lebron needs the ball, so there will be some adjustment.
How long have these Hawks been together? 3 years? I understand that we’re learning a new motion offense. But that should not stop them from rebounding and playing defense.
Learning a new motion offense should not stop them from playing aggressive and playing with energy.
IMO, Hawks have no excuses. They’re just not getting the job done.
The good thing, is its still early. I’m sure LD went off on them after the game last night, so it will be interesting to see how they respond against Boston, a team they swept 4-0 last year.
cp
November 21st, 2010
1:53 pm
I’m sorry but I’m not buying this they need time to gel.. How long has this group been together? If they cant get it done by now then they never will. LD talked about accountability before the season started yet I haven’t seen any of it… He is looking like Woodrow on the sideline…How does Marvin continue to start? What does he do that helps this team because I don’t see it…. If you don’t see Marvin on the court with your own eyes you would have sworn he wasn’t even playing because he does nothing out there…….People its time to stop with Teague needs the time excuse..LD has given him every chance possible and he has done nothing with it…..He is passive, cant shoot , and the offense stalls when he comes in…I wonder if LD will pull another Woody type move and sit JC2 in the next game instead of getting him some minutes………..Sund needs to make some moves.. Jamal is pouting and hurting the team out there.. ZaZa is terrible. The whole bench is terrible..
O'Brien
November 21st, 2010
2:05 pm
Rod,
Jamal is a better player than Jordan. However, when Jamal comes into the game, he tends to do his own thing, and this throws the team offense off, while he goes ISOs. Plus his defense is horrible.
I agree that Marvin is being Marvin, so if Jamal is traded, we could bring in another SF to push marvin (Prince for example), and potentially take his starting spot.
But Marvin has very little trade value, whereas Jamal has a $10 mil expiring contract.
Grandad,
Just because Jamal can handle this being Al and Josh’s team does not mean he should be resigned, and definitely not as a starter.
Do you really want Jamal playing 35 mpg as the starting SG? Have you seen his defense? Does he look like he has bought into LD’s system?
Big Boi
November 21st, 2010
2:13 pm
Well stated cp, I’m starting to think a higher power is involved in this Marvin Williams thing. Marvin is nothing more than a sixth man. At least I can say Mo is a better defender than Marvin. With Teague it’s simply frustrating to see guys like John Wall who’s been in the league all but 1 to 2 months mop the floor with the likes of a guy like Jeff Teague!!! Think he still needs more time???
Grandad
November 21st, 2010
2:20 pm
O’Brien
Actually Tyreke & Bibby would start if that trade were realized.
Jamal would reamain 6th man. Everything would remain the same ‘cept
for Tyreke flipping places with Joe. SD would pick up rotation
minutes. Tyreke would play some [1] & [2] as would Jamal & bibby.
Tyreke would defend the [1] more often, in place of Teague.
I would also attempt to trade Marv for Battier’s exp giving us greater
roster flexibility. Just some random thoughts.
Grandad
November 21st, 2010
2:23 pm
Bibby with a capital “b”
Keeping It Real
November 21st, 2010
2:34 pm
Sacramento is dumb, but I don’t think they are that dumb to trade away Tyreke Evans for anybody right now. Can you say Pipe Dream!!!
Section 303
November 21st, 2010
2:36 pm
Grandad, I’m with ya’. Any move that involves Joe Johnson leaving town I’m all for! What a mistake to re-sign that guy. It amazes me that so many come to his defense. The guy is just counting money.
To me…Joe Johnson showed his true colors with his “I could careless” comments to the fans. He’s no leader. Just a wannabe superstar. Get him on the next flight out of town.
Keeping It Real
November 21st, 2010
2:40 pm
I just saw ESPN last night and every night, and Tyreke Evans shows flashes of a player who’s headed for greatness. Did you see the top 10 plays on ESPN, he’s on it!!!
northcyde
November 21st, 2010
2:40 pm
Grandad . . now you know that Sac would never do a trade like that. Tyreke is essentially a young JJ, and Dalembert is a huge expiring contract.
Blame your boy Sund for not adequately upgrading the bench over the summer.
Seriously . . knowing what we know now, who would be against signing Shaq . . or even trading Marvin to Cleveland to get Shaq?
Didn’t sign Shaq.
Didn’t want Chill.
Traded a pick for money.
Signed 3 players that NO ONE ELSE wanted.
Thank the Lord for the easy schedule.
O'Brien
November 21st, 2010
3:07 pm
Grandad, Section 303
If you were Sacramento, would you trade away your ROY stud (Tyreke) who is only going to get better, and is still on a cheap contract, for a guy who will make $124 mil for the next 6 years?
And not only would they be picking up JJ’s huge contract, Sac would be getting rid of Dalembert’s expiring contract.
I’m a fan of JJ, but no way would I (or Sac) do that deal.
I think ASG made the right move in re-signing JJ. If he leaves, we start Jamal at SG, and maybe bring Chills back. But thats all the salary cap space we would have. And does anybody want Jamal playing 35 mpg as the starter?
My only gripe with resigning JJ was the 6th year. But I understand its all about supply and demand. The Bulls and Knicks were offering him 5 years, so the Hawks offerred 6 to make sure he sticks around.
I think JJ will get back to the old JJ though. I’m not worried about him. His history suggests he will get back on track eventually.
If we can work out a deal with Sacramento involving Jamal and Dalembert, then I’m all for it.
northcyde
November 21st, 2010
3:35 pm
And that’s the move to make . . . Jamal for Samuel. You get a big who can defend and rebound, plus block shots.
Offensively, you let Teague and Jordan see if they can play together better than Teague and Jamal. People keep saying that Teague can’t play with Jamal, and would be a better player without him, so that would give you a chance to see if it’s true or not.
Sund won’t make a move though. And the ASG wouldn’t dare let him add a multi-year contract in place of a Jamal trade.
JeJe.
November 21st, 2010
3:35 pm
NO REBOUNDING = NO DEFENSE = WE ARE 5TH BEST IN EAST
FIRE SUND
CAN’T BEAT MILWAUKEE OR DALLAS ON THEIR 2ND OF B2B AT HOME
LOL 4 HOME LOSSES
The Truth
November 21st, 2010
3:52 pm
drmaryb
“Check yourself before you wreck yourself! It drives me crazy when people complain and can’t spell!”
Thanks for calling that out but the word worst was not misspelled. OK you perhaps thought it was misused. When I’m upset and it’s very late (2:56 AM) with a few too many drinks naturally that makes for a bad combination. Or if I’m rushed for something more important, I will just post a draft since this is only a blog and certainly not a formal article. But if we are going to go there with the formal dance then consider this:
I think you are a bit overly picky considering the words worst and worse can be tricky words even with a sober state of mind.
Use ‘worse’ if you’re comparing two things: “I think eggplant is worse than squash, but that’s just my opinion.”
Use ‘worst’ if you’re comparing multiple things: “I disagree. Eggplant and boiled cabbage are both vile, but squash is the worst!”
Apparently, your attempt at my grammar correction was based on your assumption that in my quote:
“Maybe he attended the same party JJ attended and got caught-up in drinking too much booze or worst.”
I was comparing two things, Jamal drinking too much booze and one other thing (Jamal was doing), in that case, the use of the word “worse” is correct as you pointed out. That would be a fair assumption on your part. But what if I had multiple things in mind when I made that quote (which I did) such as booze, women, drugs and his poor performance was the worst? Remember, I am the creator of that quote, not you. Is this an OJ rush to judgment thing? Yes, I admit I was sleepy and overly comfy and didn’t bother to expand the sentence with all the details for clarity but again, this is only a blog and I think you got my drift. You will be over worked and under paid if you aspire to be the grammar queen traffic cop on this blog not just with others but also yourself.
Big Ump
November 21st, 2010
3:57 pm
Enter your comments here
Big Ump
November 21st, 2010
3:58 pm
drmaryb
You on a roll baby. I love it.
Alsandair
November 21st, 2010
4:49 pm
Trade Joe Johnson ASAP!!!!!!!!!! Fire Sund for giving him that deal.
O'Brien
November 21st, 2010
5:08 pm
northcyde,
I think the trade to make after December 15th, (if Sacramento is willing), is Jamal and ZaZa for Dalembert and their backup SF Antoine Wright.
Why would Sacramento do it?
Jamal is instant offense off the bench for them, and would help take the load of Tyreke Evans. Plus they still get an expiring to replace Dalembert’s expiring. And ZaZa provides cheap affordable help at Center while Sacramento waits for Cousins to develop.
Why would ATL do it?
They get a more athletic big who rebounds and blocks shots better than ZaZa, and they get rid of Jamal, opening up more PT for Jordan.
Plus by getting Antoine Wright, Mo Evans can share the backup SG role with Jordan.
Ray
November 21st, 2010
5:17 pm
I want to see Teague and Jordan Crawford on the floor at the same time. I remember a game when the two were in it they had good chemistry it was one we lost, but still they tired very hard.
Every time they put Jamal and Teague in the game I get the feeling JC1 is bullying Teague into giving him the ball. That’s just my opinion.
Ramon
November 21st, 2010
5:27 pm
O’Brien, I would do that trade. I would ask for them to include Thompson though, that would make the salaries match more. But I would definitely do that trade, right now if I could.
Ramon
November 21st, 2010
5:28 pm
Ray, I think the game you’re talking about was the Milwaukee game where they played the entire fourth quarter together.
Ramon
November 21st, 2010
5:29 pm
Why do I get the feeling that someone is about to get in a fight during practice. And I have a feeling JC1 is going to be involved.
Clyde
November 21st, 2010
5:38 pm
*yawns*
lukas
November 21st, 2010
5:42 pm
JJ’s contract is untradeable, kinda like agent zero. Thakns to that contract, if the Hawks want to win they’ll have to go over the luxury cap.
Prison Mike
November 21st, 2010
6:16 pm
– This was the fourth straight game Zaza was just kind of out there. It’s perplexing because he had been productive and energetic.
How hard is it to see that zsa zsa is horrendous. 1 out 5 good games ain’t cutting it around here.
Jeff Foster for zsa and Mo Evans.
Prison Mike
November 21st, 2010
6:25 pm
“Every time they put Jamal and Teague in the game I get the feeling JC1 is bullying Teague into giving him the ball. That’s just my opinion.”
I’m seeing that too, teague can’t be assertive with all these big money guys “bullying” him to pass them the ball. But at the end of the day it’s teague’s and drew’s problem.
Ray
November 21st, 2010
6:42 pm
@ Prison mike
” I’m seeing that too, teague can’t be assertive with all these big money guys “bullying” him to pass them the ball. But at the end of the day it’s teague’s and drew’s problem.”
This is why Jamal needs to be traded fast he’s already made it known he doesn’t care if he doesn’t have the money.
The reason I keep pushing for a trade with Dallas is they said they need someone with Jamal’s skills I’ve heard that some where before. If we do trade with Sac then I’m for that too, but I’d rather have Haywood and Caron Butler.
Samuel
November 21st, 2010
7:20 pm
teague just doesn’t have it guys. If you’re a player you play. Every NBA team has “big money” players, especially at the glamor position, the 2 guard. Teague gives the ball up because he’s not confident in his shot, nor are his team mates. Basically, his upside is a healthy Speedy. Nothing more.
nique
November 21st, 2010
7:23 pm
was that what LD’s motion offense is supposed to look like? it seemed pretty similar to Woddy’s, and that’s not a good thing. how about starting to run the offense more through Al while JJ is struggling a bit? Al’s shooting 64% or so, get him the ball.
rusty
November 21st, 2010
7:32 pm
drmaryb gosh i agreed with a lot you are saying. i did not like woody as a coach & seemed to think ld was doing all of the right things. i am starting to doubt him unfortunely. first i dont think he is using teague right. he needs to use teague to replace bibby, not jc1. jc1 is not a point guard & it is known that jj & jc1 can not play well together. he needs to sit jj azz down when he is not hitting his shots. when jj is not making shots his whole game drops several notches down. i never see him trying to run a fast break or driving hard to the basket. he still tends to hold on to the ball to long & dribbles way to much. well this is just how the man always plays. he really never dives for balls, most of his assists are not great passes but giving the ball to some one with the time running out. he is also not a great clutch player. i really never could figure out why every body thought he was so great. ld certainly should be giving a hell of a lot more playing time to jc2 as he played great in the summer & preseason., every one should be able to see that he will be a star if we dont fk him up like we did with teague. teague needs more time & to be played more smartly. if he dont make it here he probably will some where else. marvin should not be starting but coming off the bench. smith & horford have been playing great & need to get more shots. zazza is just horrible & mo will never be much better. jc2 has to be better utilized & be giving a clear role. ld has to look at the game situation
& sub better. he needs to play smith & horford more, not taking them out of the game for long stretches.
truly1
November 21st, 2010
7:33 pm
Yes I agree that is why we need to trade jamal crawford all problems are fixed because then LD cant play Jamal that opens up 30 minutes of time to give to teague and Jordan crawford
lewis
November 21st, 2010
7:33 pm
i’m cool on caron butler
rusty
November 21st, 2010
7:35 pm
Enter your comments here
rusty
November 21st, 2010
7:40 pm
i meant to say jc1 needs to used smarter not jc2
Who are the Real Hawks?
November 21st, 2010
7:41 pm
Dang, that’s not good for the Hawks. Boston played IN Toronto tonight (meaning they have back-to-back road/road games) AND they’ve lost 2 in a row.
The Hawks, who cannot beat contenders, might be in some big trouble come tomorrow night. Or who knows maybe this is the game they start to turn it around! (sarcasm?)
rusty
November 21st, 2010
7:42 pm
i meant jc1 has to be better utilized not jc2